👋Hello everyone. Welcome to our VIP-members-only edition of Ban Island’s Collection Guide. You will get the inside scoop on the new Chanel metal authenticity plate, and how that may impact your investment and collection. Chanel has quietly launched a microchip to replace their half-a-century old authenticity cards and hologram stickers.
With the rise of blockchain, NFTs and all things crypto, Chanel has not officially confirmed that they are using blockchain. However, all other luxury brands like LVMH have joined forces and are developing together on AURA, a private blockchain.
Source: Vintage-United
What is this microchip?
Chanel has yet to confirm what technology is behind this plate, but based on their new tag it is a scannable RFID microchip. Traditionally, retailers like Zara, Uniqlo, etc. use RFID to track inventory so they know that there is one more black caviar small flap in the basement.
What about the serial number?
The numbers and letters contained are now a “batch code” meaning a full batch of bags will have the exact same code. Chanel has discontinued their use of a unique date code.
Essentially, your bag will now be known as “BF23048” and thousands of bags will share that exact same batch code. So, you have NO clue as to whether:
Yours is unique
From what series
Whether it’s fake or real
Yay, Chanel just went one more step toward making their bags a mystery for us customers.
From my insider sources, Sales Associates also hate having to explain what series each bag is, and why a 28 series is being presented when we are currently in the 31 series. So this also solves that problem. You have NO idea now what collection your bag is from. Goodbye series number, you will no longer see the numbers 30 and 31 like before.
Chanel does a really good job keeping everything a secret, so nothing official has been announced. However, based on our research, and discussion with unnamed executives, the microchip can do 3 things, with “some room for future development” (That’s exec talk for “we are still figuring things out.”) 1. Inventory Tracking As discussed, RFID is used widely to track inventory and location. I DON’T believe they track the bag after it has left the Chanel boutique, but hey who knows, only big brother can confirm or deny this.
2. Ownership Tracing Chanel is associating the first original purchase to the microchip, meaning the purchase and transaction as an original buyer is definitely on file. Now can you register and transfer ownership? See below.
3. Authentication My insider LVMH executive sources have confirmed that an authentication box is now in use in every location. Staff now place your bag (whether it’s being returned or for service) to confirm authenticity. Why? Because they can no longer train staff to authenticate as staff have previously leaked technology and/or have knowingly accepted fake goods.
Why the change?
Source: Global Brand Counterfeiting Report (2018-2020)
To combat fakes and counterfeiters. This has long been the number 1 threat to the luxury industry.
By launching a permanent (i.e., unlosable), digital authentication program, Chanel hopes to eliminate the counterfeit industry, and resellers, that profit off of their brand.
Faking this metal plate may be easy for counterfeiters (after all they’ve faked everything else) but replicating the unique, linkable digital identity will be nearly impossible. I doubt this move will actually discourage the continuous research and innovation from fakers trying to make better fakes, but what it does do is elicit fear in consumers who want to buy authentic goods, and force them to set foot inside the boutique getting it right from the source.
How is this going to affect collectors and the preloved market?
As they muddy the water further without any unique serial number and no card for us to post on FB groups asking people to chime in -- this really gives third party authenticators and resellers a supremely hard time to ensure and prove authenticity.
Chanel has also implemented repair and/or spa service with the new Chanel et Moi Programme -- giving you a 5-year warranty on all handbags and WOCs. All of this to convince you that the boutique experience is what you truly want.
As for resellers that they openly despise, and have done several big moves to make life difficult (i.e., no more non-tax state sales, blocking purchases to VIPs and adding limits like you can only buy 1 bag and 1 SLG every 2 months), this microchip is yet another move to show you who’s the boss -- threatening to trace ownership, and see who’s quickly changing hands right after a purchase.
Can you register your new microchip?
Our inside sources are happy to confirm the registration process of your new microchip under the new Chanel et Moi Programme. Upon purchase, your bag’s serial number is registered in-store under your name and email - this also serves as proof of your 5 year warranty.
Once the registration process is complete, you are given a link for exclusive access to your bag’s information via email.
Information available through the Chanel et Moi Programme:
Bag model and size
Bag material and hardware
“Unique serial number” - i.e., the batch code
Date of purchase
Boutique of purchase
Warranty and its expiration date
Care instructions + Chanel restoring care services
However, if you are buying in the preloved market and you are the new owner, this could be important. Based on my insider sources in Canada, US and Europe, there is currently no process for transferring ownership, and they are keeping it super hush as to what they want to do with that.
As a blockchain technologist and the founder of Ban Island, I have heard from 2 ladies that they would love to store ownership of their bags, and transfer to the next rightful owner.
Do you feel the need? If so, let me know. We may just be crazy enough to build it.
Photo credits go to my dear friend Claudia - thank you! You can find her on IG @cc_luxury_hoarder.
